Mountain Fire in Idyllwild 85 percent contained

IDYLLWILD -- Firefighters have contained 85 percent of the 27,332-acre Mountain Fire in Idyllwild and expect to have the blaze fully contained today.

U.S. Forest Service fire officials say moderate rainfall -- about half an inch to two inches -- hit the fire overnight Monday and another half inch was expected Tuesday. That means concerns over mudslides continued.

But since the fire is smoldering and mostly surrounded, hundreds of firefighters have been released and more were expected to be released Tuesday. Officials say 1,146 firefighters are assigned to the blaze.

The fire ignited July 15 near Highways 243 and 74, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people in Idyllwild and surrounding communities. All evacuations were lifted by Sunday night and roads have been reopened.